death cleaning

American  

[deth klee-ning] / ˈdɛθ ˌkli nɪŋ /

noun

1. the process of cleaning and decluttering one’s home so as to spare others, especially family members, from the chore of it after one’s death.

   While I’m still strong and healthy, I’m going to commit to some serious death cleaning.

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Etymology

Origin of death cleaning

First recorded around 2017; a translation of Swedish döstädning, literally, “death cleaning,” equivalent to dö “to die” + städning, verbal noun from städa “to tidy, clean, clean up, clean out”

Example Sentences

A show about death cleaning sounds like something Lord Voldemort ordered up to terrify Harry Potter.

From Washington Post

But the eight-episode Peacock series “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” isn’t a showcase for dark magic — it’s not even about death specifically.

From Washington Post

The series is inspired by the best-selling 2018 book “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson, which introduced Americans to this quaint Nordic custom.

From Washington Post

Swedes have the solution: Death cleaning.

From Washington Post

The death cleaning trio uses firm but gentle guidance to help eight overwhelmed households, with people ranging in age from 33 to 75.

From Washington Post